Commenting on the appointments of Sláintecare's first Executive Director and Chair of Advisory Council, INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said:

"More than a year after the Sláintecare report, we are glad to see the government finally appointed people to these key roles. We look forward to working with Laura Magahy to deliver much-needed reforms and end Ireland's two-tier health system.

“Having worked with Dr. Tom Keane previously on the cancer programme, I know he is dedicated to quality public healthcare and recognises the pivotal work of nurses and midwives. The INMO, as the voice of nurses and midwives, should be represented on the advisory council.

"Sláintecare is a genuine opportunity for patients and staff alike, which could open up nursing-led primary care in communities across the country. This will be particularly important for the management of chronic disease.

"But for Sláintecare to be more than an academic exercise, ministers need to commit to fully funding Sláintecare. We are still waiting for the government to publish a realistic funding plan starting with this year’s budget.”